Point Place Boat Club - Toledo, OH

Point Place Boat Club - Toledo, OH To promote and enhance pleasure boating, and to cooperate with other organizations for this purpose.

Props.Is stainless actually worth the extra money on a recreational boat?And is a 4-blade really better than a 3-blade? ...
09/10/2026

Props.
Is stainless actually worth the extra money on a recreational boat?

And is a 4-blade really better than a 3-blade?

What are you running?
----Aluminum or stainless?
----3 or 4 blades? Sharrow?
----And what boat/motor?

What do you prefer and why?

MARINA GAS vs. GAS STATION GAS! ⛽“You should use marina gas in your boat.”But is marina gas actually better, or are we s...
09/03/2026

MARINA GAS vs. GAS STATION GAS! ⛽

“You should use marina gas in your boat.”
But is marina gas actually better, or are we simply paying more because the pump is sitting at the dock? 🤔

This is not about the safety topic of refueling at your dock....

⛽ REGULAR GAS STATION
• Usually much cheaper
• Often has 87, 89, or 93 octane
• Most is E10 (10% ethanol)
• Some stations sell ethanol-free gas
• High-volume stations may have extremely fast fuel turnover
• You can potentially save $1+ per gallon

🚤 MARINA GAS
• Often ethanol-free
• Available right at the dock — obviously convenient
• May have marine-specific additives
• Usually considerably more expensive
• But is it actually a different/better gasoline?
• And does “marina gas” automatically mean it's fresh or ethanol-free?

QUESTION:

If your local gas station sells fresh, ethanol-free 91 or 93 octane, would you put that in your boat instead of paying the marina price?

Or do you believe marina fuel is actually better for your boat's engine and fuel system?

And
👉 If marina gas is better, exactly WHAT makes it better?

Is it the lack of ethanol?
The additives?
The storage tanks?
The fuel turnover?
Is it simply the convenience of filling up at the dock
--or helping out the Boat Club that sells it?

What do you run: ⛽ gas station gas or 🚤 marina gas — and WHY?

This topic came up on the Lake Erie Boaters group recently:People often hold opposing views on the fueling/blower protoc...
08/28/2026

This topic came up on the Lake Erie Boaters group recently:

People often hold opposing views on the fueling/blower protocol because of a common confusion between preventing v***r intake during fueling versus evacuating trapped v***rs after fueling.

Here is why both arguments exist and where the misunderstanding comes from:

The "Leave It OFF" Argument:
(Coast Guard Standard & Fire Safety)
The Logic: Gasoline v***rs are heavier than air. During fueling, displaced v***rs flow out of the tank vent. If the blower is running, its intake vents create a negative pressure draft that can suck those heavy v***rs right into the hull, bilge, or engine room. Additionally, if the blower motor or wiring has a faulty spark, running it while rich v***rs are actively filling the space can cause an immediate explosion.
--Who Supports It: US Coast Guard, American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), state boating law enforcement, and marine insurance underwriters.

The "Leave It ON" Argument:
The Logic: People who advocate keeping the blower on are focusing on ventilation. The line of thinking is that any v***r entering the bilge should be actively sucked out right away rather than letting it settle and build up while waiting at the fuel dock.

What do you practice?

Great weekend for PPBC rendezvous to MBIYC ! A little weather related extended stay for some of us. So much fun ha...
08/24/2026

Great weekend for PPBC rendezvous to MBIYC ! A little weather related extended stay for some of us. So much fun had and good memories made!

🚤 BOAT TRAILER MAINTENANCE — DON’T FORGET ABOUT IT!Your boat may be in the water, but what about your trailer? A little ...
08/14/2026

🚤 BOAT TRAILER MAINTENANCE — DON’T FORGET ABOUT IT!

Your boat may be in the water, but what about your trailer? A little maintenance can prevent a big problem on the side of the road or at the launch ramp.

Before you load the vessel back on the trailer for the season, take a few minutes to check:

🔧 Wheel bearings & grease
🛞 Tire pressure, tread & sidewalls
🛑 Brakes & brake fluid (if it has electric or hydro surge brakes)
💡 Trailer lights & wiring
⚓ Winch, strap & safety chains
🚤 Rollers/bunks and mounting hardware
🔩 Lug nuts and frame components

The perfect time to look over your trailer is when there is not a boat on it.

A few minutes of maintenance now can save you a lot of money—and potentially a stranded boat—later.

Take care of the trailer that takes you to the water! 🌊

⚓ Navigating Western Lake Erie: Don't Let a Breakdown Ruin Your Day on the Water! 🛥️☀️ Either you've had one in the pas...
08/07/2026

⚓ Navigating Western Lake Erie: Don't Let a Breakdown Ruin Your Day on the Water! 🛥️☀️ Either you've had one in the past, or you know someone who had. Unless you're really special, walking on water is impossible compared to walking on asphalt.... when seeking help.

There’s nothing quite like launching out of Toledo—whether you’re heading down the Maumee River, cruising past the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse, or spending the day fishing around the Lake Erie islands. But as experienced local boaters know, open water can turn unpredictable fast.

Whether it’s a sudden mechanical issue, a dead battery, or hitting a shallow spot near the sandbar, having a plan for towing—both on the water and on the road—is essential for peace of mind.

💡 Quick Safety Checklist Before Leaving the Dock:
Check the VHF Radio: Cell service can get spotty quickly once you get off the coast. Keep your radio tuned to Channel 16 for safety broadcasts and emergency assistance.

Verify Safety Gear: Ensure you have life jackets for everyone on board, a working fire extinguisher, and valid visual distress signals (flares) required on Lake Erie.

Watch the Weather: Lake Erie is notoriously known to whip up steep waves quicker than you think. Check the NOAA marine forecast before heading out!

• TowBoatU.S. South Shore Click to open side panel for more information (Meinke Marine Emergency Services)
o Services: Provides 24/7 on-the-water dispatch, vessel towing, soft ungroundings, battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, and salvage services across Western Lake Erie and near Toledo.
o Coverage: Operates out of Cooley Canal (Curtice, OH) and Bolles Harbor (Monroe, MI).
o Phone: (419) 836-9123
• Sea Tow Lake Erie (Out-of-Area Coverage)
o Services: Provides 24/7 dispatch that coordinates with local towers for members needing assistance in the Toledo/Western Lake Erie area.
o Phone: 1-800-4-SEATOW (1-800-473-2869)

A bilge pump is one of the most important safety systems on a boat, yet it's often overlooked until it fails. A few minu...
07/30/2026

A bilge pump is one of the most important safety systems on a boat, yet it's often overlooked until it fails. A few minutes of maintenance several times a season can greatly improve its reliability.

Monthly (or before every boating weekend)
Lift the float switch by hand (or activate the electronic switch) to verify the pump turns on.
Pour a few gallons of water into the bilge to ensure the pump activates automatically and empties the water.
Listen for unusual noises such as grinding or squealing.
Confirm water is discharged overboard with a strong, steady stream.
Every 3–6 months
Remove the pump from its mounting bracket (if designed to do so).
Clean leaves, fishing line, hair, mud, and other debris from the intake screen.
Spin the impeller by hand (with power disconnected) to make sure it rotates freely.
Flush the pump with clean water.
Inspect the float switch

The float switch is the most common point of failure.

Check that:
It moves freely.
Nothing blocks its movement.
There is no oil or sludge causing it to stick.
The wiring is secure and free of corrosion.
Inspect the wiring

Check the discharge hose

Inspect for:
Kinks.
Cracks.
Loose hose clamps.
Clogs from insects or debris.

Also make sure the hose loops upward before exiting the hull to help reduce the chance of water flowing back into the bilge.

Check the battery
Even a perfect pump won't work with a weak battery.

Verify:
Battery terminals are clean.
The battery is fully charged.
Automatic pumps have continuous power even when the battery switch is off (if that's how your boat is wired).
Replace worn components

Typical service life:
Bilge pump: 5–10 years
Float switch: 3–7 years

If the pump becomes noisy, slow, or unreliable, replacement is usually more economical than repair.

Annual maintenance checklist
✓ Clean the entire bilge.
✓ Test automatic operation.
✓ Test manual switch at the helm.
✓ Inspect all wiring and fuses.
✓ Tighten hose clamps.
✓ Verify the discharge outlet is unobstructed.
✓ Check battery voltage.
✓ Keep a spare fuse on board.
✓ Consider carrying a spare bilge pump or float switch for larger boats.

🚤 Boat Club Tip: Should You Cover Your Boat When It’s Docked?Short answer: YES!If your boat sits at the dock between use...
07/23/2026

🚤 Boat Club Tip: Should You Cover Your Boat When It’s Docked?
Short answer: YES!
If your boat sits at the dock between uses, a good cover is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your investment. Here’s why:
✅ Blocks harsh UV rays – Prevents fading, chalky gelcoat, cracked vinyl, and brittle plastics
✅ Keeps rain & dew out – Reduces mildew, corrosion, and water damage
✅ Stops bird droppings, dirt, leaves & pollen – Saves you hours of cleaning
✅ Helps hide valuables from prying eyes

A quality, breathable custom or semi-custom cover (like Sunbrella or marine-grade polyester) lets moisture escape while shedding water. Just remember:

Always cover a dry boat
Use support poles so water doesn’t pool
Check it regularly

Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you when resale time comes!

🌫️ Smoky skies don't have to keep you off the water. ⚓The haze over the Toledo area is a reminder of just how far the Ca...
07/17/2026

🌫️ Smoky skies don't have to keep you off the water. ⚓

The haze over the Toledo area is a reminder of just how far the Canadian wildfires can reach. While the view across the lake might not be as clear as we'd like, there's still something special about spending time on the water.

If you're heading out, remember to:
🚤 Check the latest air quality before you leave.
😎 Keep a little extra distance from other boats if visibility is reduced.
💧 Stay hydrated and consider limiting strenuous activity if you're sensitive to smoke.
🛟 As always, boat safely.

At the end of the day, there's no better place to relax than at the docks or on the water—sharing stories, enjoying good company, and hoping for a fresh northwest breeze to clear the skies.

Have you been out boating this week?

How often do you change your water pump impeller?The most common recommendation is every 2–3 years or 100–300 hours of u...
07/09/2026

How often do you change your water pump impeller?

The most common recommendation is every 2–3 years or 100–300 hours of use, whichever comes first. Many experienced boaters simply do it every 2 years as a rule, regardless of hours.

Don't wait for the interval if you notice:
Reduced or weak water stream from the tell-tale (p*e hole)
Overheating warnings or the motor running hot
No water output at all
You've run the motor in sandy or muddy water (abrasive material chews up impeller vanes fast)
The motor was run dry, even briefly — this can destroy the impeller almost immediately since the vanes need water for lubrication

Mercury/Mariner — recommends every 2 years or 200 hours
Yamaha — recommends every 3 years or 300 hours (some models every 2 years)
Evinrude/Johnson — typically every 2 years or 100 hours
Honda — recommends every 3 years or 300 hours
Suzuki — typically every 2 years

Always defer to your specific engine's owner's manual, as recommendations vary by model and year.

Many boaters do the impeller at the same time as their annual winterization or spring commissioning.

Address

5911 Edgewater Drive
Toledo, OH
43611

Opening Hours

Friday 7pm - 1am
Saturday 7pm - 1am

Telephone

(419) 727-8747

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Point Place Boat Club - Toledo, OH posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category